Query re SSP and holiday

elly2

Hi I had a small op to remove an abcess from my chest last week and the dr put me on the sick for 2 weeks (untill the 30th) the wound is healing well and i have been discharged from the nurse(wound needed packing and dressing every other day). I work in a care home so the sick note was given to protect against infection (myself and the clients). As it is half term next week I am thinking of taking the kids away for a few days on a coach trip to the zoo, can I do this ? or are you not allowed to go away when you are on the sick. Have tried to look about online but can't seem to find any info.

tomtontom

It would be advisable to take annual leave if you are going away. Is there nothing you can do at work - helping in the office or cleaning?

LittleVoice

elly2 wrote: »

Hi I had a small op to remove an abcess from my chest last week and the dr put me on the sick for 2 weeks (untill the 30th) the wound is healing well and i have been discharged from the nurse(wound needed packing and dressing every other day). I work in a care home so the sick note was given to protect against infection (myself and the clients). As it is half term next week I am thinking of taking the kids away for a few days on a coach trip to the zoo, can I do this ? or are you not allowed to go away when you are on the sick. Have tried to look about online but can't seem to find any info.

You could ask your employer.

They may say it's OK or that you can use some of your holiday entitlement for the number of days you would be away instead. They would need to pay you your normal pay for the holiday if you took that option. Are you getting just statutory sick pay while you are away or do they pay you your normal salary?

elly2

Thanks for the replies, it's only a small home so no office staff and only one cleaner, the nurse advised me to keep the wound undressed at night to help the wound heal I work nights so wouldn't be able to go to work with it uncovered, and my shifts have been covered. The managers of the home only pay SSP.

Undervalued

elly2 wrote: »

or are you not allowed to go away when you are on the sick. Have tried to look about online but can't seem to find any info.

Nothing says you have to sit at home when off sick.

You have a duty to you employer so you certainly shouldn't do anything that would slow your recovery.

That said, it is very easy for it to be misunderstood if you are obviously out enjoying yourself. e.g "if she is well enough to do that she is well enough to be at work etc". For that reason it would be wise to discuss your plans with your employer and, if appropriate, make sure you doctor would be "on side" should any questions arise.

Mojisola

elly2 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, it's only a small home so no office staff and only one cleaner, the nurse advised me to keep the wound undressed at night to help the wound heal I work nights so wouldn't be able to go to work with it uncovered, and my shifts have been covered. The managers of the home only pay SSP.

I don't think there's anything magical about the night hours for healing. I think the nurse meant leave it uncovered 'when you go to bed'. If you sleep in the day, that's when you leave it undressed.

If the main reason for the two weeks sick leave is a risk of infection rather than rest, I can't see any reason not to get out and about in the day. If your shifts have been covered, your employer might not want to switch things around again.

elly2

I havent booked it yet or told the kids about it, the only reason I am on the sick is to prevent catching/passing on an infection otherwise I am well but seeing as it is still an open wound I would not be allowed back to work. I will contact her tomorrow and see what she says.